Introduction

Gastric pain is nothing new to most of us. Having experienced it at one point or another we all have looked up home remedies for gastric pain. While this type of abdominal pain is nothing to worry about, it can cause immense discomfort. 

Gastric pain is caused by the accumulation of gas in the stomach which leads to a painful sensation around the abdominal region. The causes of gastric pain can range anywhere from moderate to severe. However 9 out of 10 times, there’s a reasonable explanation for it. Some of the common causes of gastric pain include:

• Constipation: Constipation is a condition where a person experiences difficulty in passing stool. This can be due to a low-fibre diet, medications, or even old age.
• Bloating: Bloating happens when gas gets trapped in the stomach as a result of drinking carbonated beverages, lactose intolerance, or obesity. Women on their menstrual cycle also experience bloating as a result of hormonal changes.
• Acidity: Acidity, also called acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acid flows back up the food pipe leading to a burning sensation in the chest. It is more commonly referred to as heartburn.
• Indigestion: Indigestion is characterised by discomfort in the upper stomach. It can be caused by excessive consumption of food & drinks. Smoking and intolerances to certain foods are some of the other reasons.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Gastric Pain

Often when people experience gastric pain they resort to over-the-counter medicines like antacids to relieve the symptoms. Although they provide quick relief, the long-term impact of antacid overuse neutralises the benefits it may provide. Side effects of taking antacids include constipation, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and diarrhoea. More severe issues include osteopenia, hypercalcemia, neurotoxicity, and even kidney failure.

What a lot of people may not know is that besides antacids there are a few natural home remedies to relieve gastric pain. These natural digestive supplements constitute ayurvedic ingredients that not only make your stomach feel better but are also good for the holistic well-being of a person. They also provide a host of benefits which includes better sleep, improved mental health, and removal of toxins among other reasons. Here is a list of ayurvedic solutions to help you in your search on how to reduce gastric pain.

1. Lemon

Lemon is an excellent natural remedy for gastric pain. The high level of acidity in lemons aids in the production of stomach acids which helps in digestion. It also lowers blood pressure and helps in weight loss. The citrus fruit is also rich in antioxidants which also aids in the overall well-being of a person.

Quick Recipe: Squeeze half a lemon in warm water and drink before meals for best results.

2. Mint

Mint is a highly efficient cure when looking for ways on how to reduce gastric pain. It soothes the stomach, improves bile production, and relaxes the muscles in your stomach. Peppermint tea and oil are good for mitigating the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. It is rich in vitamins & minerals and improves immunity as well.

3. Ginger

Ginger has been used as a natural remedy for everything from gastric pain, cold, and motion sickness to diabetes & arthritis. It also alleviates gastric pain caused by bloating. Ginger can be included in your diet in a variety of ways.

Quick Recipe: Ginger in lemon water is a simple and quick recipe for people on the go. 

4. Cloves

Chewing cloves is an easy fix to digestive problems like gastric pain, diarrhoea, and flatulence. It is also rich in antioxidants which help to reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer. Moreover, this aromatic spice can easily be incorporated into the diet as it is a common ingredient in a lot of Indian food.

5. Milk

Milk and its derivatives are excellent in soothing pain in the abdomen. Derivatives of milk like curd and yoghurt contain healthy probiotics which can help in digestion. Buttermilk helps to settle the burning sensation caused by heartburn, while ghee helps to lubricate and relax the muscles of the intestine.

6. Bananas

Bananas are good for when you have an upset stomach. It is easy to digest and the vitamins, minerals found in them help to boost the immune system. They help to alleviate abdominal pain and the high fibre content helps combat the effects of diarrhoea. Bananas are also easy to consume making them a quick and effective gastric pain remedy.

7. Tulsi

Tulsi is a powerful ayurvedic remedy used in many households in India. It’s a one-stop cure for a variety of problems including acid reflux, menstrual cramps, and stomach ulcers. The medicinal plant is also highly effective when it comes to fighting infections and diseases. 

Quick Recipe: Boiling tulsi leaves in water is an effective method to incorporate the medicinal herb in your diet.

8. Cumin

Cumin or more commonly known as jeera is a common ingredient used in curries. Cumin relieves gastric pain by combating the effects of acid in the stomach. Cumin is a highly effective remedy against other abdominal problems like flatulence and bloating due to the presence of organic compounds like cumin aldehyde and thymol which aids in the digestive process.

Quick Recipe: Jeera water which is made by boiling water and adding jeera seeds is a simple recipe used in a lot of Indian households.

9. Fennel

Fennel like most Indian spices is not only known for its flavour but also for the multitude of health benefits it provides. Fennel has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal properties which help in treating bloating, flatulence, and irritable bowel syndrome. Besides this, it also reduces stress, regulates blood sugar, and detoxifies the body. 

10. Cardamom

Often called the queen of spices, cardamom has a history of treating a number of stomach problems. Consuming cardamom after meals helps in treating indigestion and reduces acidity in the stomach. Furthermore, it also promotes weight loss and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Quick Recipe:  Incorporating cardamom pods in tea will not only make it flavourful but also smell divine.

Conclusion

Gastric problems while uncomfortable and painful are a common problem faced by pretty much everyone. However, there are some quick and easy home remedies for gastric pain which do not involve over-the-counter medication. Besides curing most gastrointestinal problems, these ayurvedic drinks also provide a host of health benefits. The best part is that these ingredients are found in a lot of Indian households and are always easily available.